Materials
Doctor Blades may be one of the least costly items of a press run, but if not working properly, they can turn into one of the most expensive items. Benton Graphics offers a wide range of materials that help maximize run time and minimize waste. Not all materials are available in all sizes and profiles.
ULTIMETER®
A performance alloy developed by Benton Graphics. Ultimeter® is covered under U.S. patent number 6,632,301. Tests have shown up to 57% longer blade life when compared to conventional carbon steels. This material has an ultra clean, ultra fine -grain structure. Ultimeter® offers superior wear resistance without sacrificing the life of your roll or cylinder. Ultimeter® is not harder than conventional carbon steel.
Ultimeter® material is available in .006", .008", and .010" thickness, and in blade types A, B, C, DD, E, F, and G.
GSA (Golden Steel Alloy)
This tool steel alloy is one of the longest lasting doctor blade steels available. Its wear resistance even rivals many coated blades available. It is a problem solver when the metering substance or the roller is extremely abrasive. It performs very well when used to meter white and solid inks.
GSA material is available in .006" and .008" thickness, and in blade types A, B, C, DD, E, F, and G.
WCS (Bright or White Carbon Steel) / BCS (Blue Carbon Steel)
This hardened and tempered product, with a Rockwell C hardness of around 53 or 54, is the material used in most of the doctor blades available today. This steel can be used with most ink, including solvent, water and UV based. It has a pH operating range between 6 and 10.
WCS material is available in .006", .008", .010", .012", .015", .020", and .025" thickness, and in blade types A, B, C, DD, E, F, and G.
BCS material is available in .006" and.008" thickness, in types A, B, C, DD, E, F, and G.
Stainless Steel: 420SS
400 series stainless steel is hardened and tempered steel that is about the same hardness as the standard carbon steels. Offers high level of corrosion resistance.
420SS material is available in .006", .008", and .010" thickness, and in blade types A, B, C, DD, E, F, and G.
GET Ultra Fine Grained Steel
GET is a specially processed alloy that has a finer grain structure than the regular carbon steel. GET's structure results in a tougher material without increasing the hardness. This material performs best when used with the Type-F Bonded Blade and used in Gravure printing with water-based inks.
GET material is available in .006" and .008" thickness, and in blade types A, B, C, DD, E, F, and G.
POLYESTER / MYLAR®
Dupont Mylar® is a tough, strong, and reasonably priced material typically used in the Flexographic industry as a seal or containment blade for enclosed chambers. A single bevel blade is also available for Doctoring applications.
Mylar® material is available in .0075", .014", and .020" thickness, in blade types E. Mylar® material in .020" thickness is also available in type B with a 15 degree bevel.
UHMW Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene
This material has both the highest abrasion resistance and highest impact strength of any plastic. UHMW's molecular structure gives it a high level of chemical resistance. Its low stiffness requires using a much thicker blade compared to steel. Used in Corrugated printing and Flexographic printing with a coarse line count Anilox roll and low press speeds. A stepped or lamella style doctor blade is also available in UHMW.
UHMW material is available in .020", .030", .040", .050", .060", .080", and .090" thickness in type B with 30, 45, and 90 degree bevels. UHMW in .060" thickness is also available in type A with a reduced step on the working edge of the blade. The Type A UHMW product is referred to as "DACC".
ACETAL
Acetal is among the strongest and stiffest of all thermoplastics. It also has a high degree of thermal stability, resistance to strong alkaline environments, and high solvent resistance. It provides good metering for solid and line work for Flexographic applications.
Acetal material is available in .030"and .040" thickness, and in type B with a 20 degree bevel, or type E.
